Orange requirements for hunters change with the seasons

A minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible in 360 degrees is required on the head, chest and back for all small game hunters.

A minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible in 360 degrees is required on the head, chest and back for all small game hunters. (Contributed photo, The Morning Call)

How much fluorescent orange do hunters need to wear

Muzzleloader season opened Saturday, so everyone going out in the woods needs to be aware of the fluorescent-orange requirements even if they are archery hunting.

Muzzleloader bear and antlerless-only deer season runs through this Saturday, and there is also a special firearms season for junior and senior hunting-license holders for bear and antlerless deer this Thursday through Saturday.

In addition, squirrel and grouse hunting (as well as some pheasant hunting) opened last Saturday. The rest of pheasant hunting as well as rabbit hunting opens this Saturday, which is supposed to be cool and sunny, seemingly perfect conditions for hunting small game while sitting in a tree stand.

A minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible in 360 degrees is required on the head, chest and back for all small game hunters.

Archers must wear the same amount while moving, but do not need to wear it while stationary on stand.

However, people using ground blinds are required to display a minimum of 100 square inches of fluorescent orange within 15 feet of the blind that is visible in 360 degrees during firearms bear, deer and elk seasons.

Ashley Russo, the host and producer of "The PEAK TV" on WFMZ, Channel 69, is the special guest emcee for the event.

The festivities get underway at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and a live auction. Cost is $150 per person and includes an open bar. Patrons are asked to dress in appropriate cocktail attire. And $90 of the cost will be considered a charitable deduction because proceeds go directly to benefiting conservation in the local community.

Watercraft concession up for bid at Beltzville: The operation of the Beltzville Watercraft Concession in Carbon County is up for bid by the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Sealed bids need to be received on the seventh floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301, by 2 p.m. Nov. 5, and will then be publicly opened and read for operation of the Watercraft Concession at Beltzville State Park.

Bid documents containing all pertinent information must be obtained from the park office at 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton PA 18235-8905, phone number 610-377-0045. The state reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informalities, defects, or irregularities in the bids. The state is an equal opportunity employer and requires conformance with Title 16 Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 49, Contract Compliance Regulations.

The bid is posted on the state parks Web pages at http://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ConcessionBids/default.aspx.

Fishing license reduction: For the first time in history, the state's fishing license fee will be reduced.

The 2015 fishing license issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will drop from $22.70 (including fees) to $21.70.

All yearly fishing licenses are dropping by $1, and three- and five-year fishing licenses will reflect that savings by dropping $3 and $5 respectively. The pricing goes in effect for purchases of 2015 licenses beginning this December.

"We believe the price cut will catch the attention of many people who haven't fished in a few years, or who have wanted to try fishing but mistakenly have thought that prices have increased like they have for other products and activities," said John Arway, executive director of the PFBC.

The PFBC sells approximately 850,000 fishing licenses annually and is hoping to increase that number with the price reduction.

"We will actively promote the multi-year discount during the holiday season as the perfect gift for former and would-be anglers on everyone's shopping lists," said PFBC president Norm Gavlick, who represents the northeastern part of the state, including Carbon and Monroe counties.

Aquatic invasive species program: The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited and the Forks of the Delaware Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host an Aquatic Invasive Species and Conservation Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Bushkill Township.

The first half of the workshop will be presented by PA Sea Grant and will discuss the threats of invasive species and the impact they will have on our cold-water resources. The second half of the workshop will focus on conservation initiatives and proper techniques for assessing and protecting the state's cold-water resources.

The workshop is funded by Trout Unlimited's Embrace-a-Stream Grant Program and is free and open to the public. A light lunch will be provided for those attending. To register, contact Samantha Kutskel at skutskel@coldwaterheritage.org or 814-359-5233.